Metildigoxin

This medicine contains the active ingredient metildigoxin which belongs to a group of medicines called ‘cardiac glycosides’. These medicines affect your heart by causing it not to beat very fast, and they also make the force of the heartbeat stronger. Metildigoxin is prescribed for the treatment of heart failure (heart pumps blood weaker than usually) and atrial flutter or fibrillation or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (heart beats too fast or unevenly).

Is Metildigoxin suitable for me?

Metildigoxin is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

if you are allergic to metildigoxin or other ingredients of this medicine

if you have any heart rhythm problems other than those mentioned above

if you do not have enough potassium, calcium or magnesium in the blood

if you have one of the following heart diseases: hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, thoracic aortic aneurysm, carotid sinus syndrome, sick sinus syndrome

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

have kidney or liver problems

have a lung problem

have thyroid problems

have digestion problems

are pregnant, breastfeeding

have suffered a heart attack or have other heart disease

have high blood pressure

have myxedema

have hypoxia or severe lung disease

suffer from malabsorption

have a disorder of electrolytes in the blood

have reduced or increased levels of thyroid hormones in the blood

are elderly

Metildigoxin interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Metildigoxin?

This medicine is available in form of a tablet.

You should take metildigoxin exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The dose will be prescribed according to your condition and needs.

The usual starting dose for adults is 0.2 mg taken three times a day for 2 to 4 days.

The usual maintenance dose is 0.05 to 0.3 mg per day (usually 0.15 to 0.2 mg per day) in a single dose or in divided doses.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Metildigoxin side effects?

Like all medicines metildigoxin can cause side effects, including:

heart rhythm disorders

nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

loss of appetite

abdominal pain

headache

dizziness, drowsiness

insomnia

blurred vision

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.